ACTIVATE BUSINESS SUPPORT

The Industry and Creative HEAD magazine launch new mentor scheme
for hairdressing entrepreneurs!

Thinking of starting your own hairdressing business, like opening a salon or becoming a freelance stylist? It can feel incredibly scary taking the plunge like that, and it’s at times like these that having a mentor can be so valuable – someone who understands your work environment, has experience of the kind of hurdles you’re facing and can provide practical and personal support.

The Industry, in collaboration with leading hairdressing trade magazine Creative HEAD, has just launched a new mentoring scheme called Activator, offering the opportunity for new or existing business owners to be mentored by a top industry name – an Activator – for a whole 12 months. During this time the Activator will act as a sounding board, providing honest advice, introducing relevant and valuable contacts and networks and helping you learn and grow.

Activators include entrepreneurs like Mark Woolley, Lee Stafford, Ky Wilson and The It List Entrepreneur 2020, Ricky Walters; established salon owners like Jordanna Cobella (Cobella), Christel Barron-Hough (Stil), Naomi Brooks (The Hair Sanctuary) and Dylan Bradshaw (Dylan Bradshaw); session stylists Sharon Robinson and the newly crowned Hair Icon, Syd Hayes; and independent hairdressers like Harriet Stokes, Ashleigh Hodges and Most Wanted Texture Expert, Lisa Farrall.

Activators pledge to meet with their mentees a minimum six times during the course of the year, either via video link, over the phone or face to face, and there will also be the opportunity to attend workshops, panel discussions and specialist sessions with occasional guest speakers.

Says The Industry CEO Jenny Brooks:
“When you run your own business it can sometimes be difficult to know where to begin when you want to try something new, or to fix something that’s gone wrong. The Activator scheme provides longterm support and advice from incredible hair professionals who’ve been there, done that and worn the T-shirt and can genuinely help people who are now treading the same path. It’s the first scheme of its kind in hairdressing, and we are very proud of it and our 21 Activators.”

Applications for 2022 are now closed, however keep an eye on the link below for future updates.